RRI.CO.ID, Purwolerto - The Banyumas Regency Administration in Central Java is exploring a waste management partnership with Ipoh City, Malaysia, as part of a broader twin-city (sister city) initiative aimed at mutual technology exchange and sustainable circular economy development.

The collaboration was discussed during an official meeting between Banyumas Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono and representatives from Selekta Spektra Sdn Bhd, the firm designated by the Malaysian Government for waste management in Ipoh, at the Si Panji Pendopo Complex in Purwokerto on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. During the talks, Sadewo offered Banyumas as a trial site for testing waste-processing technologies before full implementation in Ipoh.

Banyumas has garnered recognition for its zero waste to money model, which transforms municipal waste into economically viable materials using a streamlined, cost-effective process. Malaysian delegates expressed strong interest in adapting Banyumas' circular economy framework to complement Ipoh's existing waste processing systems.

Local administration leadership and Malaysian corporate executives emphasized that exchanging technical expertise and circular economy models will deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits to both regions. Sadewo highlighted the mutual learning opportunity between the two cities.

"We welcomed guests from Ipoh, Malaysia, representing Selekta Spektra, whatever advantages Banyumas holds will be studied by Ipoh, and whatever strengths Ipoh has will be learned by Banyumas. I offered a trial in Banyumas, if successful, it can then be implemented in Ipoh. Hopefully, this creates a mutually beneficial synergy," Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono stated in Purwokerto on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Chief Executive Officer of Selekta Spektra Sdn Bhd, Eliza Lee, praised Banyumas' ability to generate revenue from waste processing.

"We hope to share Banyumas' technology that turns waste into profit, rather than just processing, what we currently have in Ipoh is standard processing, but here there is a true circular economy, waste becomes profit and generates income. We hope this exploration serves as the beginning of a fruitful collaboration," Eliza Lee explained. ***